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2021 Chevrolet Traverse complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2021 record →

Electrical System
Filed Jan 24, 2025OR

My car came up with an alert message when I started the vehicle, "Service Battery Charging System Vehicle May Stall". I assumed using my remote start had somehow drained my battery or that the cold weather (30 degrees) was affecting my battery. I began driving hoping the battery would charge once running. Another alert came up, "Battery Saver Active". The alerts repeated again. In less than 10 miles from where I first started, I made it to a Les Schwab where I asked them to check my battery. The guy ran out and said my battery had more juice not running. They told me to take it to service repair shop close by. I began driving to the nearest shop and my car jerked/stopped/died, the steering was locked up and I lost complete control of the vehicle but luckily I was not far out of the Les Schwab parking lot and was able to coast into another parking area. I had to have my car towed to the repair shop where they told me it would cost $1,600 to replace the alternator, I luckily have a Platinum Extended Warranty and it appears to be covered. I am so thankful that I was not on a highway at the time and that I took the alert seriously and responded immediately. My 14 year old was in the car with me and it really scared her that the car jerked and stopped. The amount of time I had from receiving the alert to a dead battery was very short. This should not happen and I'm so glad that I was driving versus an up and coming driver (turns 15 next week) that would not have known what to do.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 21, 2025NJ

The battery wasn't being charged which caused some problems. However, it was the alternator that was bad. Since the battery wasn't being charged and the alternator was failing, there were problems with steering and engine power which almost caused a collision at highway speeds.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 16, 2025CA

Around 8-19-24 I started noticing liquid on my garage floor. It had a slight oil consistency to it. I brought it in to a local auto shop who inspected it and confirmed the radiator was leaking randomly. There was no visible damage to it and no reason it should have started leaking when only 3.5 years old and only had 53k miles on it. No indicators of any kind prior to the leaking starting either. It started leaking a little bit one day and each day it started leaking progressively more.

Seat Belts
Filed Dec 20, 2024SC

My front passenger seat belt has started to not latch. I have to push the button and insert the seatbelt in order for it to latch. Sometimes it will release on it’s own.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 11, 2024PA

3 times in 5 days, 2021Traverse completely shut off. 2 of those times were in a busy intersection. I couldn’t even turn my flashers on and had to manually unlock my door to get out. Fortunately the third time was in my driveway. I called AAA to tow it to dealer. This is a severe safety issue and hopefully will be covered under my warranty and the extended bumper to bumper warranty.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 8, 2024GA

2021 Chevy Traverse went out in September, it would shutter causing take off to jerk so hard and cause traffic to stall, hurting passengers necks, and almost causing accidents

Power Train
Filed Sep 21, 2024GA

I bought this 2021 Chevrolet Traverse on January 4th 2021. Since owning this vehicle the transmission has always skipped and sputtered. We have done regular maintenance on it. But at 115,000 miles it seems to get worse and really shift hard or skip while trying to go into each gear. There is no information on maintenance for the transmission other than taking it to the dealership, which is really bizarre and unreasonable because dealerships take to long and some can be without. We have also noticed on a couple different occasions that the reverse lights were on when it was in park. The parking brake also likes to set when someone opens or closes a door. We are not sure what the problem is. But would like this transmission to be fixed.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 5, 2024TX

When leaving work last night, a warning appeared saying 'Service Charging System Vehicle May Stall' and shortly after another showed "Battery Saver Active" so I went to my local auto parts store and had the battery replaced for $300. The gentleman also ran a test on the alternator and it came back with a failure on the voltage regulator but all others were good. I drove home hoping drive cycles would clear it out. I drove to work this morning getting the same errors and voltage not going above 12.0, dipping all the way to 11.5. So now, I have to replace the alternator, praying it does not shut off on the highway and I get hit and killed. I have seen numerus incidents online of the exact same issue. I bought this car brand new (my 1st ever) in 2021, I only have 25,000 miles on it, she is garage kept and very well taken care of, this should not be happening on a practically new car. Please do something before more get injured or even killed.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 27, 2024MD

I was hit by another car who ran the red light. No airbag deployment at all, in serious crash. Whole front end hit without airbags going off. The engine was smoking and the brake would not work after inpact to keep it from rolling

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Jun 25, 202433,000 milesMA

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the exhaust pipe. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed. The contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: PIP5681C (Exhaust leak, Lean Codes, Rattle Noise, or Catalytic Converter Failure Codes); however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000. The VIN was not available.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed May 30, 202461,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal rattling sound emanating from underneath the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the catalytic converter. Additionally, the contact was informed that the exhaust system needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the exhaust had previously failed and was replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Special Coverage: N222385510. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 61,000.

Electrical System
Filed May 22, 202443,000 milesDE

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The service battery warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the alternator. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 43,000.

Suspension
Filed Apr 12, 2024MI

The rear sway bar linkage broke which lead to unsafe handling/ control of vehicle. I was driving and anytime I made a right turn there was a loud clunk in rear of vehicle. Concerned it will wear other parts out by this specific part not working/broke

Electrical System
Filed Mar 26, 2024TX

I bought my 2021 Chevy Traverse brand new. Now it has about 44,000 miles on it and is just under 2 months of purchase date. I noticed that my battery light turned on yesterday while I was driving. Within seconds my vehicle stalled out and I was just coasting along in traffic, unable to restart my car. I was able to coast to the side of the freeway and jump my car. After doing so it started again so I proceeded to drive away. After about 4 more minutes my vehicle shut off again as I was driving in traffic. I was unable to get the car started again and was just a sitting duck in heavy traffic. I had the vehicle towed and a new battery was put in. My vehicle starts but the new battery is already loosing voltage. After a diagnostic test was done by the mechanics at the auto shop it looks like the alternator needs to be replaced. This is not only unheard of that such a new vehicle would already need a brand new alternator, but it was also a huge safety risk with how it all happened so quickly with VERY minimal warning and the vehicle completely shut off while I was driving in heavy traffic. So many people could have been harmed due to this malfunction.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 26, 2024NJ

Warning on dash to check charging system. Driving on highway, all lights on dash started lighting up and going crazy and then everything on dash completely shut off while I was driving. Car eventually stalled. Car has less than 40k miles and only 3 years old. Brought it to dealership and they said it needs new alternator and battery.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 28, 2024CT

Battery charger notice came on and on way to go have it checked the car stalled in the middle of a busy road and i had problems turning the steering wheel few seconds later the engine stopped running completely.

Seat Belts
Filed Feb 12, 2024SC

Middle seatbelt will not retract. This vehicle has not been in any accidents.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 8, 2024NY

On [XXX] my 2021 Traverse with 46K miles, purchased new from Atlantic Chevrolet, Bay Shore, NY, broke down on the road, dead battery, and alternator. I could not successfully jump the car to get it running. I had no use of steering, nor could I shift the vehicle into neutral to move to the roadside. Prior to towing the vehicle, based on my car insurance, Atlantic Chevy was outside of my towing area and would have cost me $500.00 out-of-pocket to tow. I called customer service and a female employee told me that the battery issue would not be covered. I had the car towed to my local mechanic, upon inspection they determined that the alternator failed, and needed to be replaced. I called Atlantic Chevy again and explained the issue to the same representative, she told me that that would not be covered based on my expired warranty. To be sure, I proceeded to call GM corporate. I spent an hour on the phone with a representative who ultimately told me that it would not be covered. I had no option but to have the repair done by my local mechanic. They purchased the alternator from Atlantic Chevy to ensure that they were installing certified parts for which I paid out of pocket. It goes without saying, that an alternator should not fail with such low mileage and after researching, I have found that there are identical complaints for the same year, make and model car. I contacted GM corporate to file a formal complaint, and ask for compensation. I dealt with a very competent person wh

Carry Handle, Shell, Base
Filed Feb 6, 2024IN

When this seat is first installed with the seat belt, it has a tight fit. However, the install seems to loosen for no apparent reason on its own. This occurs frequently. The seat is properly installed with pulling the slack out of the seat belt, securing the snuglock, and then locking the vehicle seat belt. I am concerned that the install will loosen in the event of an accident, and my toddler will not be properly secured. When the seat loosens, it moves more than one inch from side to side. It has even loosened so much that it began visibly lean to one side.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 11, 2024IN

The alternator is placed right under the fill cap for engine oil. So if and when an auto repair shop or owner spills oil out of a funnel or anything else this oil will leak and the first spot it drips onto is the alternator. With all the other plastic under the hood there should be some kind of shield bracket or sloped plastic to get in the way of all the other maintenance under the hood. So precede with caution and avoid the unnecessary cost of an alternator change.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 2, 2024MD

I bought my Chevy traverse car in June 2021 with 0 miles. On 12/25/2023 the alternator went out. I know there any many people who are having this same problem when the car reaches 40k miles. This is not fare to us bc we now have to pay 1700 in repairs. If the alternator goes out when driving, your car will stall and stop and you can end up in a sudden crash. This should not be happening at 40,000 miles.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed Dec 26, 2023TX

I was driving on I-20 with cruise control on @ 71 mph (night time) @ 7 min into using cruise control, the suv acted like it stopped for a quick second (scaring me) I remember rubbing my neck afterwards, thinking it was almost like whiplash. I pulled off the road into parking lot. I thought maybe I had a flat or tire issue, no tire issues. I then stopped @ a store, when getting back into the suv, I could smell something awful. Like something had burnt. Still don’t know. I have not used the cruise control since this incident. It was Xmas weekend, so I have to wait till dealer opens back up to have it checked out.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 30, 2023MN

We have had issues with the Onstar system not working after using the key fob to remote start the vehicle. This has been going on for 1.5 years and again GM customer service told me that the engineers are working on it. Additionally the Onstar emergency SOS will not work during this time because it is disabled Red light instead of green. We live in northern Minnesota where the winters can be brutal-20 to -30 degrees and are afraid that the crash detection system will not work due to this issue. Every thing works fine if you start the car with the button on the dashboard. There are numerous complaints about this affecting numerous vehicles including trucks. A real safety hazard being we live and drive in frigid conditions a bunch in the winter. All GM tells me is they are working on it but the Safety bulletin is dated February 2021 and NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT TIS SAFETY ISSUE!!!!

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash2 injured
Filed Nov 27, 2023OK

I was unable to stop my vehicle from accelerating. The brakes were engaging but my vehicle continued to build speed. Myself and my family, as well as others on the road, were all put at risk due to my vehicle not responding or failing to control speed; cruise control was not engaged. My insurance company, USAA, is currently investigating and determining total damage estimate. No warning lamps, indicators, or messages were presented prior to collision. The rotors and brakes were glowing red after collision from continuous attempts to stop the vehicle.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 30, 2023CA

Since I bought this car new the brakes have been squeaking and when I took it to the dealer they said they need about this problem but there was nothing that they could do about it since the manufacture has not given them a bulletin on this model of vehicle yet.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 26, 2023NJ

The purge valve is ticking for the past two weeks dealership informed me yesterday that it is working as designed and no codes were noted by technician. ticking noises ( which are VERY annoying) were not present when vehicle was bought about 3 months ago . The service rep informed me that although purge valve issues have been noted and taken care of by other GM models., the traverse is not part of any recall at the moment

Structure › Body
Filed Oct 13, 2023MA

Peeling/ chipping paint down to primer in areas.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Sep 27, 2023TX

KNOWN ISSUE: Chevy Traverse owners may experience a condition wherein the front exhaust pipe on their crossover separates from the mounting bracket, resulting in damage to the pipe. Now, General Motors has issued new Special Coverage that addresses this issue. NEW ISSUE: Rear exhaust pipe is also affected. When separated/cracked this was leaking carbon monoxide fumes into the inside of the vehicle when driven. Our family's safety was put at risk breathing these fumes. The Chevrolet dealership says that only the front exhaust issue is being recalled/covered but rear is not even when it is attached to same mounting bracket with known issue. Appeared/noticed as loud muffler sound and strong smells of fumes.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 14, 2023MI

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle on several occasions, the vehicle shut off and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. Additionally, the interior and exterior lights became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was concerned that the failure was caused by the vehicle being hacked by a local terrorist network. The failure mileage was unknown.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 20, 2023MO

Display Instrument Center on the instrument cluster goes out for a couple of drive cycles and comes back on. I took it in to the dealer at the end of March and had the vehicle updated. There's a history with this issue with the Traverses and the Cadillac XT6. I don't know if it's a glitch when these parts were produced for GM or not but it needs to be investigated

Engine
Filed Feb 10, 202336,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that upon depression of the accelerator pedal, there was an abnormal, clicking sound and a fuel exhaust odor coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on several occasions to have the exhaust pipe under the hood replaced; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 36,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 9, 2023PA

At only 15,000 miles the brakes are squeaking as if they would on extended mileage brakes that require replacement. These are practically brand new and should not be making this sound.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Nov 28, 202270,000 milesSC

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard a rattling sound coming from the hood of the vehicle. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that a hole was in the exhaust and the exhaust needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she smelled a fuel odor throughout the vehicle. The dealer was not notified. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to have the vehicle diagnosed and to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Nov 28, 202270,000 milesSC

******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS AN INADVERTENT DUPLICATE OF ODI# 11495132*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 15, 2022MT

On Thursday October 13, 2022, i was driving in to work. I travel approximately 25 miles one way, 4 days a week. The wind up here in Montana was blowing extremely hard for 2 days then and i was driving into the wind going west. I noticed my car felt like it wouldn't accelerate like normal so i just figured the wind was that strong. by the time i got to Poplar where i work my car sounded like a lawnmower! I ended up calling the Chevrolet dealer in Wolf Point to tell them and see when they could get me in to look at it. They gave me an appointment for the next day, October 14th. On October 14 i take it to the dealership and they take it in. About an hour later one of the main guys came out and asked my if i hit anything. I told him no, i was just driving it and that noise and lack of power started. He said they looked it over and it was a bracket thats on my exhaust system that is broke. I asked him if it would be fixed and he said no they would have to order parts. He said the part that broke was a weld and so he don't know how that could have happened if i didn't hit anything. My car is a highway car, i don't go baha-ing around in it. I bought the car brand new and I am the only one that drives it. I am scared to drive it now thinking my whole exhaust system might fall and cause me to wreck. the dealership said it is still safe to drive and just the noise would be annoying, but i don't trust it. i seen the older model traverses have that exact same problem. I am thinking this

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 2, 2022CO

Driving down the road and the sunroof exploded outward spontaneously. No other cars on the road, nothing hit the glass. Safety at risk because it was very loud and some of the broken glass fell inside the vehicle.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 31, 2022NC

I have a 2021 Chevy Traverse LT. The stereo touch screen keeps completely freezing. We've brought it to the dealer who told us it was working fine. Its frozen twice. Once we had to pull the fuse out to reset it for it to work. Vehicle has a rattle at startup and suspension squeaks. Captain seats almost seem loose, they rattle at times. The brakes are horrible, they squeak all the time. Pads are not worn, but it appears from my mechanical knowledge that the pads are slightly oversized to the rotor or not set on straight and they're rubbing the unmachined part of the rotor which could contribute to the brake issue. Dealers have claimed before its just ceramic rub, however; I have done tons of brake jobs and ALWAYS use ceramics. NEVER had a problem with that. Vehicles need a MAJOR recall for all these systems as they can all be a major safety concern. Brakes not set on right or pads to big can cause the pads to break off causing loss of braking power and an accident. Seats not tightened properly can cause death or serious injury to passengers in an accident. Failing suspension can cause loss of control of the vehicle and an accident, freezing touch screen can cause an accident if the driver is using the Nav system and it stops.

Engine
Filed Nov 22, 2021NY

Occasionally when putting the SUV in reverse, the car does not go into gear. I'll hit the gas and nothing and then all of the sudden it goes into gear. It's almost like it's in a delay sometimes I'll have to put into drive and then reverse for it to go into gear.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 14, 2021TX

A few days after purchasing vehicle a rotten egg smell started coming out of AC. took to dealership twice and they cant find the problem and since the smell comes and goes we were informed that this happens because is a brand new vehicle. But i'm d one getting terrible headaches when that smell comes out of no where. Last time it happened i was ready to go to emergency room it was so bad i had to open up d windows to get some air.

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 5, 2021IN

Right Front break pad makes A real bad noise, Sounds like metal on metal. Took it to dealer I bought it from and they said it was a noise from ceramic pad and chevy will not fix it. I paid approx 34000 to be told they wont fix it. It sounds like a piece of junk when you hit the breaks. I have bought many new chevys in my Life time. This will be my Last. They said it wont hurt anything. I have never bought anything but big three but will buy Toyota from now on. They back their cars. I know nothing will be done about this problem but I will tell everyone I see.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 10, 2021FL

From day one the brakes respond erratically. The braking is uneven regardless or road conditions. The dealer identified a problem but can’t repair it until they receive a solution from the manufacturer.

Power Train
Filed Jun 6, 2021FL

With just 1,085 miles on a new 2021 Chevrolet Traverse RS the 9 speed automatic transmission began to fail. It feels as if it skips and there is a distinct shudder as it shifts in the higher gears. The transmission also appears to labor as the vehicle ascends even the smallest change in grade. Research of these issues shows its a noted prblem with the GM 9 speed automatic transmission.

Service Brakes
Filed May 12, 20211,496 milesTX

WE BOUGHT A 2021 CHEVY TRAVERSE AND THE DAY AFTER PURCHASE THE BRAKES BEGAN MAKING A GRINDING NOISE OFF AND ON. THREE WEEKS TO THE DAY AFTER PURCHASE, MAY 11, BEHIND THE DRIVER SIDE BACK TIRE WAS A PUDDLE OF DARKER FLUID. THE BRAKES BEGAN GRINDING WORSE. I LEFT FOR WORK AND WHEN I RETURNED HOME UNDER THE CARPORT WHERE THE TRAVERSE WAS PARKED WAS FLUID WHERE EACH TIRE HAS SAT. I DROVE 15 MILES TO MY NEXT DUTY SPOT FOR THE DAY AND BRAKES WERE GRINDING HORRIBLY.. WHEN I GOT TO MY DESTINATION I POPPED THE HOOD TO FIND THE RESERVOIR WHERE THE BRAKE FLUID GOES COMPLETELY EMPTY. IT LOOKED AS IF IT NEVER HAD FLUID IN IT TO BEGIN WITH. THE DEALERSHIP SENT A TOW TRUCK TO MY LOCATION AND PICKED THE VEHICLE UP.

Service Brakes
Filed May 10, 20211,247 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN GRINDING AND SQUEALING SOUND COMING FROM THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TROPICAL CHEVROLET (8880 BISCAYNE BLVD, MIAMI SHORES, FL 33138) WHERE THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE BRAKE PARTS WERE NEW AND THAT AFTER CONTINUAL DRIVING, THE SOUND WOULD GO AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,247.

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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